Uji
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
About 15 kms southwest of Kyoto, and easily accessed by both the Keihan Line and the JR Line, Uji is famous for the lovely Byodo-in Temple (the temple on the back of the ¥10 coin). It’s also famous as a tea growing area.
[Byodoin Temple Buddhist temple]
Uji Area Description
Uji is a suburb of Kyoto about 20 minutes south of Kyoto by train. The town is located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River, tucked against picturesque mountains, which are covered with tea plantations (you’ll need a car to properly explore these). While Uji isn’t one of Kyoto’s main attractions, it makes a decent half-day trip out of Kyoto for those who’ve got at least five days in the city.
Uji Highlights
[Byodo-in Temple: Luciano Mortula — LGM / Shutterstock.com]
Sights And Activities In Uji
- Byodo-in Temple
A superb Hiean-era temple in the southeast suburb of Uji, Byodo-in a brilliant place to visit for those who want to step off the beaten track. - Ujigami-jinja Shrine
Not much too look at, we include this small shrine because UNESCO has decided, in all its wisdom, to designate it a World Heritage Site. - Uji-bashi Bridge
The unique design of the Uji-bashi Bridge has figured in so many poems, novels and paintings of Japanese culture that it would be churlish not to include it here.
Getting To Uji
- By JR Line train: Take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station and get off at Uji Station (20 minutes, ¥230).
- By Keihan Line train: Take the Keihan Main Line south toward Osaka, get off at Chushojima and switch to the Uji Line and get off at Uji Station (total journey about 30 minutes, ¥320).
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.